New Kia Seltos 2026 Review: What’s New in Design, Features & Performance?
The New Kia Seltos 2026 has finally been unveiled, and it has brought a fresh wave of excitement among SUV lovers. Known for its bold styling, feature-loaded cabin, and strong road presence, the Seltos has always been one of the best-selling compact SUVs in India. With the 2026 update, Kia has taken things even further—refining the design, boosting performance, and upgrading technology to match global standards. In this blog, we’ll explore what’s new in design, features, engine options, performance, and overall ownership appeal.
Bold New Design: Sharper, Sleeker & More Premium
The 2026 Kia Seltos gets a major design refresh that makes it look more futuristic and dynamic. Kia has not changed the overall silhouette, but almost every external detail has been reworked.
Exterior Highlights
New LED Star Map DRLs extend deeper into the grille for a more aggressive front look.
Reworked tiger-nose front grille with glossy black and dark chrome elements.
Sharper LED headlamps with improved throw and visibility.
New alloy wheel designs in 17-inch and 18-inch options with aerodynamically enhanced shapes.
Connected LED tail-light bar at the rear gives the SUV a wide and modern stance.
Revised bumpers with sportier cuts, dual-tone options, and improved aerodynamics.
The 2026 Seltos looks more muscular and upscale, especially in the GT Line and X-Line variants with matte paint options and orange or red accents.
Premium Interior: More Space, More Tech, More Comfort
Kia has significantly upgraded the cabin to make it more luxurious and tech-oriented.
Interior Upgrades
New Dual 12.5-inch Curved Screen Layout (instrument cluster + infotainment)
Improved seat cushioning and premium upholstery with ventilated seats in top variants
Ambient lighting with multiple themes
New panoramic sunroof (larger opening)
Revised center console with a more ergonomic layout
360-degree camera with AI-based guidance
Dual-zone climate control with digital display
The SUV now feels more modern and upmarket. The space has also improved slightly due to better seat design and increased legroom, especially in the rear.
Advanced Features That Stand Out
The 2026 model brings several new connected and safety features:
Tech & Convenience
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
ADAS Level 2 with new functions (lane change assist, collision warning, adaptive cruise control)
Digital Key 3.0 – unlock and start the car using your smartphone
Next-gen Kia Connect with 70+ features
Air purifier with virus protection
Powered tailgate (first time in Seltos)
Safety Enhancements
Safety has been a major upgrade with:
6 airbags standard
Improved body structure with higher-strength steel
ADAS suite
Blind view monitor
Front and rear parking sensors
TPMS, Hill Assist, ESC, VSM
Kia aims for a higher safety rating with the 2026 model, and the improvements clearly show.
Engine Options & Performance: Smoother, More Efficient
The New Kia Seltos 2026 continues with the proven engines but with refined tuning and better fuel efficiency.
Engine Line-Up
1.5L Petrol (Naturally Aspirated) – Refined, smooth, and best for daily city drives
1.5L Turbo Petrol – More powerful with quicker acceleration
1.5L Diesel – Fuel-efficient and strong in long-distance performance
Transmission options include:
6-speed Manual
IVT (Automatic)
7-speed DCT
6-speed Torque Converter (Diesel)
Performance Improvement
Reduced engine noise due to better insulation
More responsive throttle in turbo variants
Smoother gear shifts in DCT and AT
Enhanced suspension for better ride comfort on rough roads
Overall, the Seltos 2026 offers a more balanced and refined driving experience than before.
Mileage & Efficiency
Expected mileage figures:
Petrol: 15–17 km/l
Turbo Petrol: 14–16 km/l
Diesel: 19–21 km/l
These numbers may vary based on the driving style and road conditions but are competitive in the segment.
Is the New Kia Seltos 2026 Worth Buying?
Absolutely YES, especially if you want:
A modern, stylish compact SUV
A feature-rich, premium cabin
Multiple engine options
Strong road presence
Latest ADAS and safety features
The 2026 update makes the Seltos more futuristic, safer, and more value-packed than ever. It competes strongly with Hyundai Creta, MG Astor, Honda Elevate, and Maruti Grand Vitara — and in many areas, it stands ahead.
Final Verdict
The New Kia Seltos 2026 is not just a facelift — it is a significant evolution. With improved design, high-end features, better performance, and advanced safety, this SUV is now one of the strongest contenders in the segment. Anyone planning to buy a stylish, modern, and powerful compact SUV should definitely keep the Seltos 2026 on top of their list.
Comments are closed.